Diary of Macduff
The war's end (between Scotland and Norway)
Today, a day of victory! Scotland exiles the bloody for ten thousand! Those who dare brandish their swords and mock Scotland with numbers, where have they gone? A retreat of rallied spirits I saw. We did prevail, and hail Scottish forces! But wait! Shall I hail Banquo, a noble man, or Macbeth, a noble man? For was I not fighting with all my fury against Sweno's finest too? Brutality is hailed today, and that deserving face shall see many honors of the king. Will loyalty be hailed?
But this entire splendor is worn velvet. Where is the castle of Fife? I will eagerly await the first chance to return home. I have but one last chore before departing tomorrow. I must awaken the king from his chamber at Inverness.
Discovering the King
Horror, Oh, Horror! Embedded in my mind is the drenched linen, the red covering my king, the cuts torn deep with no indecisive hand. Maybe he felt none, but look at him! The hands with exposed veins lay there as if tied to the bed. Was it too sudden for Duncan to fight or at least beg? Scotland, how many casualties now? For he was millions! Scotland, the war is done? Does another come? Who struggles, Duncan, to kill? What courageous soul? Speak! Scotland is not whole.
Discussing coronation
I spoke with the old man and his son today. Ross-I know not why he is faithful to attend such an event. I could not ponder my lonely family any longer. I came to Fife. A crowning at Scone where I did not show my presence, but a crowning I did not miss. The old man and I will look towards our humble past.
Home, though! I am home! The path to Fife seemed longer, although each stride I marked with diligence. I took each breath as if escaping from a smoke-filled room that had chocked my existence until now. How does a family become so beautiful with each year? The children grow and wrapped around me like the ivy around the castle. My joy will not be overshadowed by the unfortunate kingship that presides over Scotland.
Hopeful persuasion
I met with Malcolm. Such a violent task I faced. I have never had to verify my honest motivations so many times to gain trust. He is different from his father. He lied to me about lust and shameful personalities. As fabricated as he was determined to be, I was determined to be accepted. I argued and at times was convinced he did not want to rule his country. The sweat ran from my brow and words of tears flowed from my mouth. He knew then that I was loyal. What relief!
Then my defeat came through my cousin. The news he had, devastating. My wife, children, servants, everyone is gone. How could I rejoice when my mind had been cold to its only love? The careless thoughts drifted for a moment. Now my plight was not crying out for Scotland but avenging the enemy.
Before the attack on Forres
This is the day of regret and shame for Macbeth. His eyes will say to me, "Hold, enough!"
But I will not hold! The innocent pay for my debt until the debtor pays his dues. I must kill him myself. Brutality will no longer rule. The Tyrant will no longer command. The bird whose wings smother Scotland and whose beak with sharp stroke destroys will lie dead. Down! Down! Down the foul bird plunges 'til his face is hidden in the dirt and my sword pierces his soul! Macbeth thought he made a fair deal with Hell. He traded eternal peace for his temporary lease! Now the empire will fall, the contract annuls!
A new king
The Tyrant is dead! I have killed him! Scotland is restored! What comfort when I saw at Scone today the crowning of Malcom. A fair and wise ruler he will be. I must help to give the land back the order it had under Duncan. I must find order among the chaos of my loss. Resolution is at hand.